Electronic privacy apparatus and related methods

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for enveloping a portable communication or storage device includes a plurality of walls configured to at least partially enclose the portable communication or storage device. The apparatus also includes a processor, and a first shutter that is associated with one or more of the walls. The first shutter is operatively coupled to the processor, and is disposed so as to overlie a first camera lens of the portable communication or storage device. The first shutter has a first condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the first camera lens is unobstructed, and a second condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the first camera lens is hindered. The processor is configured to verify that a plurality of conditions is met before allowing the first shutter to toggle from the second condition to the first condition of that first shutter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/373,567, filed Dec. 9, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/352,201, filed Jun.20, 2016, both titled ELECTRONIC PRIVACY APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS,and the entire respective contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to electronic apparatus and,more particularly, to electronic apparatus used to envelop portablecommunication and/or storage devices such as tablets, mobile phones, orsmartwatches.

BACKGROUND

Known portable communication and/or storage devices such as tablets ormobile phones are typically found in controlled environments, such asthe workplace, and their use permitted and sometimes even encouraged asa means of communication among individuals operating in thoseenvironments (e.g., coworkers) and with the outside world. Devices ofthe type described above are often capable of taking, storing, and eventransmitting digital impressions, such as digital photographs, digitalaudio, and/or digital video. That capability could however beproblematic in particular controlled environments.

For example, hospitals and other medical-services establishments oftenoperate under strict privacy-based regulatory frameworks that make theunauthorized sharing and/or transmission of digital images outside ofthe establishment a potential source of liability. More specifically,for example, the external, unauthorized sharing, and/or transmission ofa digital image depicting a patient's body may be found to violate thatpatient's privacy rights, and the establishment may face undesiredconsequences as a result. This is more so in view of the ubiquitousnature of mobile phone use and the increased capability of mobilephones, which may inadvertently result in a digital image being broadlyshared through social media, for example.

Likewise, manufacturing sites often carry out manufacturing operationsthat are intended to remain secret, so as to prevent competitors fromgaining an unfair competitive advantage from learning the details ofthose operations. While the use of portable communication and/or storagedevices in the interior of those manufacturing sites may beencouraged—so as to foster communication between technical personnel,for example—it may lead to the unauthorized sharing of digitalimpressions with the outside world, and the information falling into thehands of a competitor. In another non-limiting example, finance-relatedfacilities may be exposed to the unauthorized taking and even theunauthorized sharing of digital impressions containing social securitynumbers or other sensitive financial information.

Yet in another example, high-security areas such as certain sections ofan airport or other government-controlled facilities may face similarchallenges from exposure to portable communication and/or storagedevices having the functionality described above.

It would be desirable, therefore, to address the shortcomings describedabove as well as others in connection with the use of portablecommunication and/or storage devices typically found in controlledenvironments.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for enveloping a portablecommunication or storage device. The apparatus includes a plurality ofwalls configured to at least partially enclose the portablecommunication or storage device. The apparatus also includes aprocessor, and a first shutter that is associated with one or more ofthe walls. The first shutter is operatively coupled to the processor,and is disposed so as to overlie a first camera lens of the portablecommunication or storage device. The first shutter has a first conditionin which the taking of digital impressions with the first camera lens isunobstructed, and a second condition in which the taking of digitalimpressions with the first camera lens is hindered. The processor isconfigured to verify that a plurality of conditions is met beforeallowing the first shutter to toggle between the first and secondconditions of that first shutter.

The apparatus may additionally have a second shutter that is disposed soas to overlie a second camera lens of the portable communication orstorage device, and which is operatively coupled to the processor. Inthat embodiment, the second shutter has a first condition in which thetaking of digital impressions with the second camera lens isunobstructed, as well as a second condition in which the taking ofdigital impressions with the second camera lens is hindered. Theprocessor is configured to verify that the plurality of conditions ismet before allowing each of the first and second shutters to togglebetween the respective first and second conditions. Additionally oralternatively, the apparatus may include a power source that isoperatively coupled to the processor and to the first shutter.

In specific embodiments, the apparatus has a wireless communicationelement that is operatively coupled to the processor for enablingcommunication between the apparatus and the portable communication orstorage device, or with a server that is external to the apparatus. Thefirst shutter may include a dispersion film, with the first conditioncorresponding to a clear state of the dispersion film, and with thesecond condition corresponding to an opaque state of the dispersionfilm. Additionally or alternatively, a switch may be operatively coupledto the processor, with that switch having a first position when theportable communication or storage device is enveloped by the apparatus,and a second position when the portable communication or storage deviceis not enveloped by the apparatus. The switch, if present, may be alimit switch that has a pin protruding through one of the walls of theapparatus, with the first position of that limit switch corresponding toa depressed condition of the pin. The pin in that embodiment isconfigured to be depressed upon engaging contact with the portablecommunication or storage device when that device is enveloped by theapparatus.

In another specific embodiment, the first shutter includes a retractableelement and an actuator that is operatively coupled to the processor andto the retractable element. The second condition in that embodimentcorresponds to the retractable element blocking the first camera lens,and the first condition corresponds to the retractable element notblocking the first camera lens. The plurality of walls may include oneor more walls that are made of a rigid material, and one or more wallsmade of an elastomeric material. The plurality of walls may define firstand second portions of the apparatus that are hingedly coupled to oneanother, with pivotal movement of the first and second portions relativeto one another allowing insertion and/or removal of the portablecommunication or storage device respectively into and/or from aninterior volume of the apparatus.

In another embodiment, a privacy system is disclosed. The privacy systemincludes a portable communication or storage device that has at leastone camera lens. The system also includes an apparatus that isconfigured for enveloping the portable communication or storage device.The apparatus includes a plurality of walls configured to at leastpartially enclose the portable communication or storage device, as wellas a processor. A shutter of the apparatus is associated with one ormore of the walls and is operatively coupled to the processor, with theshutter being disposed so as to overlie the at least one camera lens ofthe portable communication or storage device. The shutter has a firstcondition in which the taking of digital impressions with the at leastone camera lens is unobstructed and a second condition in which thetaking of digital impressions with the at least one camera lens ishindered. The processor is configured to verify that a plurality ofconditions is met before allowing the shutter to toggle between thefirst and second conditions of that shutter.

The portable communication or storage device may, for example, be amobile phone. The walls may include one or more openings configured toprevent obstruction of telephonic or media features of the mobile phone.The system may also include a server or external computer that iswirelessly connected to at least one of the apparatus or the mobilephone.

In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed for controlling use ofa portable communication or storage device in a controlled environment,with the portable communication or storage device having at least onecamera lens. The method includes enveloping the portable communicationor storage device in an apparatus that has a processor and a shutteroperatively coupled to the processor. The shutter has first and secondconditions to respectively leave unobstructed or hinder the taking ofdigital impressions with the at least one camera lens. The methodincludes the processor verifying that a plurality of conditions is met,with the processor allowing or disallowing, in response to the verifyingthat the plurality of conditions is met, the shutter to toggle betweenthe first and second conditions of that shutter. Verifying that theplurality of conditions is met may include verifying that the portablecommunication or storage device is enveloped by the apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may include verifying that thelocation of the apparatus or the portable communication or storagedevice is within a predetermined distance of an external server orcomputer. In a specific embodiment, verifying that a plurality ofconditions is met includes verifying that an instruction by a user tothe portable communication or storage to take a digital impression, iseffected from within a pre-specified application that is installed inthe portable communication or storage device. The method may alsoinclude the processor communicating with an external server or computer.In specific embodiments, the method includes the portable communicationor storage device communicating with the external server or computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objectives and features of the invention will become more readilyapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for at least partiallyenveloping a portable communication or storage device in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A is another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,illustrating a rear of that apparatus.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2A-2A ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A, illustrating insertion of aportable communication or storage device into an interior volume of theapparatus.

FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating the apparatusenclosing the portable communication or storage device.

FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled perspective view of a device thatincludes the apparatus of FIG. 1 and a portable communication and/orstorage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electronic assembly or circuitry of theapparatus of FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, and 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a controlled environment inwhich the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4 may be used.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for at least partiallyenveloping a portable communication or storage device in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 partiallyenveloping a mobile phone.

FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A, showing a rear of the apparatusand mobile phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this writtendocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto the term in this written document shall govern. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limitedotherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled”and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct andindirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,“connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings. Also, as used herein, the term “releasablecoupling” and related terms refer to a type of coupling in which thecoupled structures may be readily detached, decoupled, or otherwiseseparated from one another in a simple manner and without causing thedestruction or damage of any of those structures. For sake of furtherexplanation, a permanent—rather than a “releasable”—type of coupling mayrefer, for example, to two structures that are integrally formed withone another, or which are adhesively attached, such that theirseparation would necessarily result in at least some level of damage toone or more of the parts being separated from one another.

With reference to the figures, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A, 2B,and 2C, an illustrative apparatus in the form of an enclosure or case 10is shown for use in a controlled environment (FIG. 5). Case 10 isconfigured to at least partially encase or envelop a portablecommunication and/or storage device in the form of a mobile phone 12. Itis understood that, while the example embodiment illustrated describedherein refers to a case 10 specifically configured to envelop or encasea mobile phone 12, the principles of operation, structure andfunctionality described in connection with that embodiment are similarlyapplicable to other types of portable communication and/or storagedevices. For example, other embodiments may be sized, shaped, andconfigured to envelop or encase tablets or other small computers havingthe capability to take, store, and/or transmit digital impressions.

Similarly, other embodiments not shown in the figures may be sized andconfigured to envelop or encase portable communication and/or storagedevices capable of taking, storing, and/or transmitting digitalimpressions and in the form of Augmented Reality (“AR”) devices, opticalhead-mounted displays such as those commercially available under theGoogle Glass® trade name, or smartwatches such as those commerciallyavailable under the Apple Watch® trade name. The example case 10 ofFIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C at least partially envelops the mobile phone 12.Specifically, the case 10 has a plurality of walls that are configuredto envelop substantially all surfaces of the mobile phone 12, with theexception of the front surface 14 of the mobile phone 12, which definesan interface of the user with that phone 12. As more fully explainedbelow, the front surface 14 of the mobile phone 12 is only partiallycovered by a pair of walls in the form of top and bottom front sections20, 22 of the case 10.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C, the case 10is made up of first and second portions 24, 26 that, when fully coupledand/or engaged with one another, firmly encase the mobile phone 12. Thefirst and second portions 24, 26 are hingedly coupled to one another soas to permit those two portions to at least partially separate whendesired, so as to provide access to an interior volume 28 of the case10. In the illustrated embodiment, pivotal movement of the first andsecond portions 24, 26 away from one another is effective to allowinsertion of the mobile phone 12 into the interior volume 28 defined bythe case 10, as well as to allow removal of the mobile phone 12 from theinterior volume 28. In the illustrated embodiment, hinged couplingbetween first and second portions 24, 26 is defined by a pair ofdiscontinuities in the form of slits or notches 30 located in arespective pair of side walls 33 of case 10.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2A-2C, when it is desired to envelop themobile phone 12 in case 10, the first and second portions 24, 26 arefolded relative to one another, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2B.That figure illustrates folding of second portion 26 away from firstportion 24, along the hinged coupling of those two portions 24, 26defined by the slits or notches 30 in the side walls 33 of case 10. FIG.2C illustrates the mobile phone 12 having been fully inserted intointerior volume 28, and the case 10 having returned to its originalshape, in which the first and second portions 24, 26 cooperate with oneanother to effectively envelop the mobile phone 12. Return of the case10 to its original shape is facilitated, in the illustrated embodiment,by the resilient nature of the material(s) making up first and secondportions 24, 26. In that embodiment, the side walls 33, as well as topand bottom walls 37, 39 and a back wall 40 of second portion 26 of case10, are made up of a flexible, elastomeric material such as athermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness durometer value in therange from about 70 to about 95. An elastomeric material as describedabove provides a suitable combination of flexibility, which allows easyfolding of first and second portions 24, 26 relative to one another, andhardness, which may be desirable in order to protect electroniccomponents of the case 10—described in further detail below—and toprotect the mobile phone 12 itself from damage from inadvertent impact.

The materials making up the remainder of the case 10 are also suitablychosen, for example, to protect the electronic components housed in theinterior of case 10, and/or to protect the mobile phone 12 from damageupon inadvertent impact. In the illustrated embodiment, and by way ofexample, the top front section 20, as well as a back wall 41 of firstportion 24 of case 10, are made up of a hard plastic material, such asan acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic polymer. Makingonly certain parts of case 10 of a molded hard plastic may be desirablein order to minimize the need to redesign an entire case 10 so as toconform to a different model of phone or other portable communicationand/or storage device. More specifically, the manufacturer of case 10may wish to have one common molded hard-plastic part of the case 10,housing electronic components in its interior, that cooperates with avariety of interchangeable elastomeric parts of the case required fordifferent types or models of phones or similar devices.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C includes first and secondportions 24, 26 that are hingedly coupled so as to only partiallyseparate from one another, it is contemplated that the first and secondportions 24, 26 could alternatively be completely separable from oneanother to allow insertion and removal of the mobile phone 12respectively into and from the interior volume 28 defined by the case10. In such embodiments, the first and second portions may for examplebe releasably coupled to one another through a snap-type of coupling. Inone particular embodiment, not shown in the figures, the first andsecond portions 24, 26 are slidably coupled to one another, with slidingmotion of those two portions relative to one another being effective toselectively join or separate those two portions 24, 26 of the case 10.

Alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which the case 10 ismade of only one portion, or made of portions in a number greater thantwo. For example, and while not shown in the figures, the case 10 couldbe a unitary body made of a highly flexible material, with that casebeing able to bend in a manner that would permit easy insertion andremoval of a mobile phone 12 respectively into and from the interiorvolume 28 of the case 10 through an opening in any of the walls of thecase 10 or an opening defined by two or more of those walls.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C, and furtherreferring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the example case 10 of those figures,back walls 40, 41 lie adjacent the back surface 45 of the mobile phone12, when the mobile phone 12 is enveloped by the case 10. Similarly, thetop and bottom walls 37, 39 of case 10 lie adjacent the top and bottomsurfaces 47, 49 of the mobile phone 12, while the side walls 33 of case10 lie adjacent a corresponding pair of side surfaces 51 of phone 12. Asdiscussed above, the case 10 also includes top and bottom front sections20, 22 configured to partially cover a portion of the front surface 14of the mobile phone 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom frontsection 22 is relatively small, and takes the form of a lip extendingfrom bottom wall 39. It is contemplated, however, that bottom frontsection 22 could instead have a larger area, for example, similar tothat of the top front section 20. The top front section 20 in theillustrated embodiment spans between and is connected to the side walls33 of the case 10, and is also connected to the top wall 37 of the case10. The top front section 20 substantially overlies a top end section 52of the front surface 14 of the mobile phone 12. The bottom front section22 similarly spans between and is connected to the side walls 33 of thecase 10, and it is also connected to the bottom wall 39 of the case 10.

The bottom front section 22 overlies a bottom end section 53 of thefront surface 14 of the mobile phone 12. As shown in the figures, thetop front section 20 of the case 10 is shaped so as to overlie a frontcamera lens 56 of the mobile phone 12, but includes—in the illustratedembodiment—an opening 58 configured to avoid blocking a speaker 60 and aproximity sensor 62 of the mobile phone 12, and another opening 64configured to avoid blocking the front camera lens 56 of the mobilephone 12. These features allow the telephonic functionality of themobile phone 12 to remain intact while the mobile phone 12 is envelopedby the case 10. Similarly, the example case 10 has, as shown in thefigures, a plurality of additional openings that allow access to powerjacks, data ports or other media-related connection ports, such as audiojacks, of the phone 12. A top section 66 of the back wall 40 of the case10 overlies a rear camera lens 67 and an associated LED light 68 of themobile phone 12 that is used as a source of flash for that camera lens67. The top section 66 of back wall 41 includes a pair of openings 69,71 that respectively avoid blocking of the rear camera lens 67 and LEDlight 68. In alternative embodiments, a transparent or at leasttranslucent element such as glass or clear plastic spans one or more ofthe openings 58, 64, 69, and 71, to prevent debris or the like topenetrate there through.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3, and 4, the example case10 illustrated in those figures also includes a plurality of buttons 73extending from the side walls 33 of the case 10, and which overlie acorresponding plurality of buttons 74 extending from the side surfaces51 of the mobile phone 12. The buttons 73 on the side walls 33 arepositioned so as to selectively engage, when pressed, the adjacentbuttons 74 extending from the side surfaces 51 of the mobile phone 12,which for example may control the volume level of media being played bythe mobile phone 12, or turn the display of the mobile phone 12 on oroff. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the side walls 33of the case 10 have apertures that permit the buttons 74 along the sidesurfaces 51 of the mobile phone 12 to extend through them, so as topermit the user to directly press those buttons 74 of the mobile phone12.

Case 10 has features that selectively permit the mobile phone 12enveloped by the case 10 to take digital impressions such as video orpictures/photographs. Specifically, the case 10 includes, in the topfront section 20, a first shutter 77 that has a first condition thatpermits the taking of digital impressions by the front camera lens 56,and a second condition that prevents or at least hinders the taking ofdigital impressions by the camera lens 56. The top section 66 of theback wall 40 of the case 10 includes a second shutter 79 that also has afirst condition that permits the taking of digital impressions by therear camera lens 67, and a second condition that prevents or at leasthinders the taking of digital impressions by the camera lens 67. As usedherein, the term “hinders” and derivatives thereof refer to the abilityof the shutters 77, 79 to produce digital impressions with the affectedcamera lens that are either of low quality, blurry, or of a size that isless than otherwise available. One or both of the first and secondshutters 77, 79 may for example and without limitation, be an opticalshutter such as an FOS-series model optical shutter, available fromLC-Tec Displays AB in Borlänge, Sweden.

Alternatively, one or both of the first and second shutters 77, 79 maybe an electrically-operated mechanical shutter that has—for example andwithout limitation—a retractable element and an actuator, with theactuator being capable of moving the retractable element between openand closed positions. The open position of the retractable element wouldcorrespond to the condition of the shutter that permits the taking ofdigital impressions, while the closed position would correspond to thecondition of the shutter that at least hinders the taking of digitalimpressions by the camera lens that the retractable element selectivelyoverlies. The retractable element in that embodiment may have a solidcolor and configured to totally block light to the camera lens that theretractable element selectively overlies, or it may alternatively be atranslucent structure that only partially allows the transmission oflight to the camera lens, to effectively hinder or obstruct the takingof digital impressions with that camera lens.

Other types of electrically or electronically-controlled shutters mayalso be used, so long as their structure and functionality allow thoseshutters to selectively permit or prevent or at least hinder the takingof digital impressions by the lens or lenses that those shuttersoverlie. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the case 10 mayhave only one shutter that is selectively caused to toggle between thefirst and second conditions so as to respectively permit or hinder thetaking of digital impressions by either the front camera lens 56 or therear camera lens 67. In embodiments of that type, the other of the frontor rear camera lens 56, 67 may be permanently blocked respectively by awall such as the top front section 20 or the top section 66 of the backwall 40 of the case 10, or by some other structure. It is contemplatedthat each of the first and second shutters 77, 79 may form part orotherwise be associated with one or more of the walls of case 10, solong as they are effective in selectively hindering or leavingunobstructed the taking of digital impressions with the associatedcamera lens.

In the non-limiting example embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4,each of the first and second shutters 77, 79 is in the form of adispersion film 84 a, 84 b, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystalfilm available from Liquid Crystal Technologies of Cleveland, Ohio. Thedispersion film 84 a, 84 b in that embodiment has a clear state,allowing the passage of light there through, and an opaque state thatblocks or at least hinders the passage of light. The state of thedispersion film 84 a, 84 b is controlled by an electronic circuit 86 orthe case 10, that includes a power source such as a battery 88, aprocessor 89 that includes a Bluetooth® board 90, an AC-DC converter 91that feeds power to the dispersion film 84 a, 84 b, and a solid-staterelay 92 that serves to relay power from the battery 88 to the converter91. In the illustrated embodiment, the default state of the dispersionfilm 84 a, 84 b is opaque, with power selectively received by thedispersion film 84 a, 84 b being effective to change the state to clear.

Alternative embodiments are contemplated, however, in which the defaultstate of the dispersion film 84 a, 84 b is clear, with power selectivelyreceived by the dispersion film 84 a, 84 b being effective to change thestate to opaque. As shown in FIG. 3, the example case 10 in that figurehas a first dispersion film 84 a located between the top front section20 and the front surface 14 of the mobile phone 12, and disposed so asto overlie the front camera lens 56. A second dispersion film 84 b islocated between the rear surface of the mobile phone 12 and a base wallor base cover 93 of case 10. The second dispersion film 84 b overliesthe rear camera lens 70. While not shown, the example case 10 mayinclude an O-ring or similar structure along the perimeter of theopening 71, effective to prevent the travel of light, when the flash istriggered to take a digital impression, from LED light 68 along thesurface of the dispersion film 84 b.

The selective toggling or switching of the shutter or shutters 77, 79between the first and second conditions is controlled by an application(or “APP”) installed on the mobile phone 12 enveloped by the case 10,and which controls operation of the processor 89 of the case 10. Theprocessor 89 is operatively coupled to the one or more shutters 77, 79of the case 10 defined, in the illustrated embodiment, by the pair ofdispersion films 84 a, 84 b. More specifically, the installed APPdirects operation of the processor 89 of the case 10 such that togglingof a shutter 77, 79 into the first condition—and thereby the taking of adigital impression—is permitted only if a specific set of conditions ismet. For example, the processor 89, as instructed by the APP, may firstverify that the electronic circuit 86 of the case 10 is closed, whichmay only be true—in one example—if the first and second hingedly coupledportions 24, 26 of the example case 10 are fully engaged with oneanother so as to securely envelop the mobile phone 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 89 verifies through the APPthat the electronic circuit 86 is closed by determining whether or not alimit switch 94 of case 10 has been depressed by placing of the phone 12in the interior volume 28 of case 10. More specifically, and as shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the limit switch 94 has a pin 95 that protrudes through anaperture 96 of base cover 93. The presence of the mobile phone 12 in theinterior volume 28 of case 10 is effective to depress and therebyactuate limit switch 94. Removal of phone 12 from interior volume 28causes the pin 95 to return to its original position, corresponding toan unactuated state of limit switch 94. Actuation of the limit switch 94closes the electronic circuit 86. Additionally or alternatively, theprocessor 89 may verify, as instructed by the APP, that the mobile phoneuser's profile and/or a unique identifier (e.g., number) of the mobilephone 12 enveloped by the case 10 against a database containing a listof authorized users and/or authorized mobile phones 12. Once suchverification is completed, the APP may direct the processor 89 to allowcurrent to flow to the one or more dispersion films 84 a, 84 b. Inalternative embodiments, for example those in which the default state ofa dispersion film 84 a, 84 b is clear, rather than opaque, uponcompleting verification the APP may direct the processor 89 to cease thefeeding of current to that dispersion film, thereby allowing theunobstructed, unhindered taking of digital impressions with the cameralens that the dispersion film overlies.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow of current to the one or moredispersion films 84a, 84 b, in turn, is effective to cause the one ormore dispersion films 84 a, 84 b to attain the first condition.Conversely, the absence of power in a dispersion film 84 a, 84 b causesthat dispersion film 84 a, 84 b to remain in the second condition i.e.,in which no light flows through that dispersion film 84 a, 84 b. Theinability of light to freely flow through the dispersion film 84 a, 84b, in turn, is effective to yield digital impressions—such asphotographs or video—taken with the camera lens behind that dispersionfilm 84 a, 84 b, that are opaque, blurry, or of general low qualityrelative to digital impressions taken when light is allowed to freelyflow the dispersion film(s) 84 a, 84 b. Case 10 also includes a powerjack 99 that is used to recharge battery 88 of the electronic circuit86.

In certain embodiments (not shown), the case 10 may include a maleconnector in the bottom portion 26 of case 10, and that is configuredfor insertion into a cooperating jack or data port (e.g., mini-USB dataport, micro-USB data port) of the mobile phone 12. In those embodiments,the processor may, as instructed by the APP, verify that the maleconnector is fully inserted into the cooperating jack or data port ofthe mobile phone 12 and in full contact with the mobile phone'scircuitry so as to detect active use of the phone 12. The male connectorin those embodiments is operatively coupled to the processor 89.Contacting engagement between the male connector of the case 10 and themobile phone's circuitry may also be a condition for selectivelyallowing the shutter(s) 77, 79 to toggle to the first condition, therebyallowing the unhindered taking of digital impressions by one or both ofthe camera lenses 56, 67.

If any of the above-discussed example conditions is not met, the APPwould not permit the one or more shutters to toggle to the firstcondition, thereby preventing the taking of digital impressions by oneor both of the camera lenses 56, 67 of the mobile phone 12.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment that uses a dispersion film84 a, 84 b for shutters 77, 79, if all required conditions are met, theAPP directs the processor 89 to allow power to be fed to the dispersionfilm 84 a, 84 b, thereby changing the state of the film 84 a, 84 b fromopaque to clear, which in turns allows the taking of digital impressionsby one or both of the camera lenses 56, 67.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4, and furtherreferring to FIG. 5, the case 10 may be operatively coupled, through awireless communication element, such as a WiFi-type connection or aBluetooth® connection, to a server 100 or some other computer in thecontrolled environment 11, thereby allowing the case 10 to be networkedwith that server 100 or computer. Embodiments are also contemplated inwhich the case 10 is also operatively coupled to the phone 12 through awireless communication element of the type described above. In theillustrated embodiment, case 10 is operatively coupled to server 100through the Bluetooth® board 90 that is operatively coupled to processor89 and which forms part of the electronic circuit 86.

The server 100 automatically saves original copies of all digitalimpressions taken by the mobile phone 12 from within the APP. In thatregard, it is understood that only the installed APP has the capabilityof selectively allowing toggling of the shutter(s) 77, 79, such that themobile phone's pre-installed “camera” application(s) would not have thecapability of taking digital impressions with a mobile phone's camerawhen the shutter overlying that camera is in the second condition (e.g.,when the dispersion film 84 a, 84 b, if used for that shutter, is anopaque state). In operation, a user of the mobile phone 12 may be ableto retrieve copies of the digital impressions taken by the mobile phone12, only after those digital impressions have been reviewed andauthorized for release by personnel controlling or otherwise accessingthe server 100 or other external computer in communication with case 10and/or phone 12. Server 100 or some other computer external to the case10 and phone 12 may optionally be located remotely from controlledenvironment 11, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5. If locatedremotely, the server 100 or computer may be configured to communicatewith case 10 and/or with phone 12 via a wireless type of connection,such as Bluetooth® or WiFi.

As discussed above and illustrated particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4, case10 includes a power source in the form of a battery 88, that providespower to the electronic circuit 86. While not shown, it is contemplatedthat the battery 88 may serve as a back-up power source for the mobilephone 12 itself, with power flowing from the battery 88 to the mobilephone's battery and/or other components of the mobile phone's electroniccircuit through the connection between the optional male connectordiscussed above (not shown) of the case 10 and the mobile phone's jackor data port. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the case10 does not include a dedicated power source, such as battery 88, butinstead obtains power for the processor 89 and other components of theelectronic circuit 86 from the mobile phone's battery. In embodiments ofthat type, a physical connection may be required between the mobilephone 12 and the case 10, such as the example connection described aboveprovided by insertion of the optional male connector of the case 10 andthe jack or data port of the mobile phone 12.

The materials, dimensions and overall appearance of the case 10 aresuitably chosen to fit particular types of mobile phones, tablets, orother portable communication and/or storage devices. Alternatively, thecase 10 may be designed to envelop two or more different types of suchdevices. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, and 3, the case10 is made to tightly envelop an example Apple iPhone® 6, although thecase 10 may alternatively be made to tightly envelop other types ofphones, tablets or other devices. The color of the case 10, inparticular embodiments, is chosen so as to promote compliance e.g., useof an authorized case 10 enveloping a mobile phone 12 or tablet in thecontrolled environment 11. More specifically, color, logos, and/or otheraesthetic features of the case 10 may be chosen so as to attractattention and/or to facilitate easy identification of the case 10, sothat it would be relatively easy to detect a person impermissibly usinga mobile phone 12 that is not enveloped by a case 10 authorized in thecontrolled environment 11. In that regard, security or other type ofcompliance personnel in the controlled environment 11 could be easilymade aware of the unauthorized use of a mobile phone 12 such thatappropriate measures may be taken, such as removal of the user of thatmobile phone 12 from the controlled environment 11 or even confiscationof the mobile phone 12. The color of the entire case 10 or portions ofthe case 10 could for example, and without limitation, be a brightand/or fluorescent color.

In use, removal of the mobile phone from the case results in an opencompliance circuit, which is effective to toggle the one or moreshutters 77, 79 of case 10 to the second condition (i.e., in which thetaking of digital impressions is hindered) and is further effective tonotify the server 100 (or other element of the network of which server100 forms part) that the mobile phone 12 is no longer compliant. In thatregard, the one or more shutters 77, 79 of the case 10 remain in thesecond condition unless the case 10 is connected to a mobile phone 12enveloped by the case 10, and so long as the APP is installed on themobile phone 12 and used to take digital impressions. The embodimentsdescribed herein and contemplated variations of those embodiments areaccordingly effective to prevent the use of portable communicationand/or storage devices in a controlled environment, and are furthereffective to prevent those devices from taking digital impressionsunless specific conditions are met e.g., the device is properlyenveloped and/or connected to an authorized case 10, the APP isinstalled on the device, and all digital impressions in the controlledenvironment are taken by the device from within the APP. It isunderstood that while the embodiments illustrated in the figure anddescribed in connection with that figure disclose a case 10 configuredfor use with a mobile phone 12, the same principles of operation andstructural details may be similarly applicable to cases configured foruse with tablets or other types of portable communication and/or storagedevices, with those other embodiments being contemplated to fall withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

It is contemplated that the mobile phone 12 itself may be networked withthe server 100 to ensure compliance, applying “geofencing” principles.Specifically, the mobile phone 12 may be connected wirelessly to theserver 100 whenever they are in close proximity of one another, such aswithin the controlled environment 11. For example, the APP installed onthe mobile phone 12 may be such that same runs in the background of themobile phone 12 at all times, and may include a set of instructions thatautomatically connects the mobile phone 12 to the server 100 wheneverthe server 100 or the mobile phone 12 itself detects that the mobilephone 12 is within a predetermined distance from the server 100 and/orwithin the controlled environment 11 Likewise, the set of instructionsgenerated by the APP to processor 89 may automatically disconnect themobile phone 12 from the server 100 when the server 100 or the mobilephone 12 itself detects that the mobile phone 12 is outside of or beyondthe controlled environment 11. To that end, the case 10 may furtherinclude, for example and without limitation, a GPS-chip and/or an RFIDchip (not shown).

Automatic connection between the mobile phone 12 and the server 100 orother external computer may cause a signal to be generated by the server100 or other computer or by the mobile phone 12, associated withdetection of the phone 12 within the controlled environment 11 butnon-compliance with the rule that the phone 12 must be enveloped by anauthorized case 10. That generated signal may then permit appropriatemeasures to be taken by security or other personnel in or around thecontrolled environment 11, such as removal of the non-compliant user ofthe mobile phone 12 from the controlled environment 11 or evenconfiscation of the mobile phone 12. It is also contemplated, in thatregard, that the case 10 or the mobile phone 12 itself may generate asignal to the server 100, associated with a condition of compliancee.g., wherein the case 10 and the mobile phone 12 are securely connectedto one another in the intended manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, those figures show another exampleembodiment of an apparatus 110 for partially enveloping or encasing aportable communication or storage device in the form of a mobile phone12. For ease of understanding, like reference numerals in FIGS. 6, 7A,and 7B refer to similar features in the preceding figures, thedescription of which may be referred to for an understanding of thestructure, variations, and functionality of the features of theembodiment of FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B. Apparatus 110 includes a maincompartment 112 that houses various electronic components such as thoseshown and described above in connection with the features of case 10(FIGS. 3 and 4). Like the example case 10 of the preceding figures,apparatus 110 includes a plurality of walls that at least partiallyenclose mobile phone 12. In the example embodiment illustrated in thefigures, apparatus 110 includes a pair of walls 116, 118 that arenaturally urged toward one another. When the top of phone 12 is insertedbetween walls 116, 118, the walls 116, 118 are forced apart, and thewalls in response exert a holding force against the phone 12 that iseffective to frictionally secure the apparatus 110 in place relative tophone 12. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which theapparatus 110 is secured in place relative to phone 12 through othermeans that may or may not rely on friction.

Walls 116, 118 of apparatus 110 include respective shutters 77, 79having a structure and functionality similar to the like-numberedshutters of the example case 10 in the preceding figures. While notshown, apparatus 110 may include a device such as a sensor or switch,that allows one o more of the electronic components housed in maincompartment 112 to detect that the phone 12 is secured in place againstthe walls 116, 118. For example, apparatus 110 may include a limitswitch similar in structure and functionality to the limit switch 94 ofcase 10 of the preceding embodiments. The materials making up walls 116,118 may be rigid, such as a rigid plastic material, or may alternativelybe a non-rigid, flexible material. The materials making up maincompartment 112 may be the same as those making up walls 116, 118, ormay be different.

From the above disclosure of the general principles of the presentinvention and the preceding detailed description of exemplifyingembodiments, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend thevarious modifications to which this invention is susceptible.Accordingly, this invention is intended to be limited only by the scopeof the following claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for enveloping a portablecommunication or storage device, comprising: a plurality of wallsconfigured to at least partially enclose the portable communication orstorage device; a processor; and a first shutter associated with one ormore of said walls and operatively coupled to said processor, said firstshutter being disposed so as to overlie a first camera lens of theportable communication or storage device, said first shutter having afirst condition in which the taking of digital impressions with thefirst camera lens is unobstructed, and a second condition in which thetaking of digital impressions with the first camera lens is hindered,wherein: said processor is configured to verify that one or moreconditions are met before allowing said first shutter to toggle fromsaid second condition to said first condition thereof.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a second shutter disposed so as tooverlie a second camera lens of the portable communication or storagedevice and operatively coupled to said processor, wherein: said secondshutter has a first condition in which the taking of digital impressionswith the second camera lens is unobstructed, and a second condition inwhich the taking of digital impressions with the second camera lens ishindered, and said processor is configured to verify that said one ormore conditions are met before allowing each of said first and secondshutters to toggle from said respective second conditions to saidrespective first conditions thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a power source operatively coupled to said processorand to said first shutter.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a wireless communication element operatively coupled to saidprocessor for enabling communication between the apparatus and theportable communication or storage device or a server external to theapparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first shutterincludes a dispersion film, said first condition corresponding to aclear state of said dispersion film, and said second conditioncorresponding to an opaque state of said dispersion film.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a switch operatively coupled tosaid processor, said switch having a first position when the portablecommunication or storage device is enveloped by the apparatus, and asecond position when the portable communication or storage device is notenveloped by the apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein saidswitch is a limit switch having a pin protruding through one of saidwalls, said first position thereof corresponding to a depressedcondition of said pin, said pin being configured to be depressed uponengaging contact with the portable communication or storage device whenenveloped by the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidfirst shutter includes a retractable element and an actuator operativelycoupled to said processor and to said retractable element, said secondcondition corresponding to said retractable element blocking the firstcamera lens, said first condition corresponding to said retractableelement not blocking the first camera lens.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said plurality of walls includes one or more walls made of arigid material and one or more walls made of an elastomeric material.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of walls definesfirst and second portions of the apparatus that are hingedly coupled toone another, pivotal movement of said first and second portions relativeto one another allowing insertion of the portable communication orstorage device into an interior volume of the apparatus.
 11. A privacysystem comprising: a portable communication or storage device having atleast one camera lens; and an apparatus for enveloping said portablecommunication or storage device, said apparatus including (a) aplurality of walls configured to at least partially enclose saidportable communication or storage device, (b) a processor, and (c) ashutter associated with one of said walls and operatively coupled tosaid processor, said shutter being disposed so as to overlie said atleast one camera lens of said portable communication or storage device,said shutter having a first condition in which the taking of digitalimpressions with said at least one camera lens is unobstructed, and asecond condition in which the taking of digital impressions with said atleast one camera lens is hindered, wherein: said processor is configuredto verify that one or more conditions are met before allowing saidshutter to toggle from said second condition to said first conditionthereof.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said portable communicationor storage device is a mobile phone.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinsaid walls include one or more openings configured to preventobstruction of telephonic or media features of said mobile phone. 14.The system of claim 11, further comprising a server or external computerwirelessly connected to at least one of said apparatus or said portablecommunication or storage device.
 15. A method for controlling use of aportable communication or storage device in a controlled environment,the portable communication or storage device having at least one cameralens, the method comprising: at least partially enveloping the portablecommunication or storage device in an apparatus, the apparatus having aprocessor and a shutter operatively coupled to said processor, theshutter having first and second conditions to respectively leaveunobstructed or hinder the taking of digital impressions with the atleast one camera lens; verifying, by the processor, that one or moreconditions are met; and allowing or disallowing by the processor, inresponse to the verifying that the one or more conditions are met, theshutter to toggle from the second condition to the first conditionthereof.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein verifying that one or moreconditions are met includes verifying that the portable communication orstorage device is at least partially enveloped by the apparatus.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein verifying that one or more conditions aremet includes verifying that the location of the apparatus or theportable communication or storage device is within a predetermineddistance of an external server or computer.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein verifying that one or more conditions are met includes verifyingthat an instruction by a user of the portable communication or storagedevice is effected from within a pre-specified application installed inthe portable communication or storage device.
 19. The method of claim15, further comprising the processor communicating with an externalserver or computer.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising theportable communication or storage device communicating with the externalserver or computer.